Smart Microgrid Project Proposal

What is a smart microgrid?

Smart microgrids (SMGs) are small, localized power grids that can work alone or alongside the main grid. A blend of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and smart control systems optimizes resource utilization and responds to demand and supply changes in real-time 1.

What are the strategies for energy management systems for smart microgrids?

There are many strategies for energy management systems for smart microgrids such as load management, generation management, and energy storage management 4. The control system of a microgrid must continuously analyze and prioritize loads to maintain a balance between power generation and consumption.

Are smart microgrids a threat to energy theft?

Energy theft, including smart microgrids, costs the global energy industry billions of dollars. The dispersed architecture and distributed energy supplies of smart microgrids make them more vulnerable to electricity theft than conventional power grids 5. Smart microgrids can analyze sensor and meter data to identify trends of energy theft.

Are smart microgrids a sustainable solution for rural electrification?

K. Ubilla et al., “Smart microgrids as a solution for rural electrification: Ensuring long-term sustainability through cadastre and business models,” IEEE Trans. Sustain. Energy, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 1310–1318, 2014.

How can a smart microgrid improve safety?

To further fortify the smart microgrid's safety, a theft detection device that tracks the gap between electricity withdrawal and consumption has been implemented. The proposed system also included the management of inverter and smart meter-connected loads, allowing for flexible responses to power outages.

How can a microgrid improve energy utilization?

In order to improve the energy utilization, the microgrid needs to have anchor customers. These consist of hospitals, schools and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) such as maize milling, welding loads that consume energy throughout the day.